Linking phrases / Building arguments / Stating and refuting opinions
This is a great listening and summarising activity that you can comfortably use for groups at B2 level or above. All you need is half a dozen participants who are ready to share their thoughts.
- The idea is to demonstrate how hard it is to listen and summarise when you disagree with what you are hearing. The temptation is to enter into a discussion, ignore uncomfortable arguments and/or to colour the summary with personal opinions.
- The exercise needs a set of clearly expressed, strongly held views at the beginning. If these are not forthcoming, throw out a couple of possible themes (Expelling financially-unsound countries from the EU, quotas for women in management, minimum wage, veggie day in public offices etc.).
- You are looking for a central statement with 3 or 4 supporting arguments (I think that most people will agree… This is clearly demonstrated by… Beyond this… What is more… Finally,…)
- Each idea giver (IG) notes these thoughts on an A5 card.
- When the cards are exchanged, allow a couple of minutes for the recipient to read and check their understanding of the stated position.
- The recipient of the card makes a presentation/statement (max 2 or 3 minutes) arguing the exact opposite of what they read on the card. It will probably be necessary to give them a few minutes to make notes and get their thoughts clear.
